The Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) provides a colleague network, professional development opportunities, and relevant resources to 120 current heads of independent elementary and middle schools throughout the U.S.

ESHA is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. Our active members:

120 current heads and numerous associate members

Many former heads

In 130 independent schools

In 26 states

Serving approximately 40,000 students, preschool through grade nine​

Our Mission

The Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) was established to promote a sense of identity among heads of independent elementary schools, to encourage and support newly-appointed heads of such schools, and to provide opportunities for exchange of experiences, problems, and successes.

Beginnings

​The Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) was founded in March of 1973 by ten heads who met in Washington, D.C. during the annual conference of the National Association of Independent Schools. These founders agreed that there was a need for an association of school heads whose professional concerns were devoted to the education of younger students. The first annual meeting of ESHA was convened at the Henry Chauncey Conference Center in Princeton in October of 1973, where bylaws were formally adopted.​

Leadership

The Elementary School Heads Association's Executive Director oversees the daily operations of the association and works with ESHA's governing board, the Executive Committee, in charting future direction.

Members of the Executive Committee are nominated by committee and voted into office at the business meeting at the annual conference. ​The Executive Committee is led by the ESHA President, who serves for a one-year term that can be renewed once. Many of our past presidents remain active or honorary members of ESHA today.